CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield will offer 50,000 members whose plans were dropped because the did not meet new benefit requirements the option of sticking with their plan one more year.
The Maryland Insurance Administration said Tuesday that insurers could continue offering previously dropped plans by renewing them before 2013 is up. The plans were never approved for 2014 rates, so they must take effect before the end of the year.
“Many CareFirst members value their current coverage, and this step will help smooth the transition to the new [Affordable Care Act] products” CareFirst CEO Chet Burrell said in a statement.
About 73,000 Maryland residents — including 50,000 CareFirst members — were dropped from health plans that insurers discontinued because they did not meet new requirements about benefits that must be included.
In order to keep their plan for another year, members must renew by Dec. 16, CareFirst said. The plans can only be offered to previous policy holders who received cancelation notices. They can not be sold to new members.
Kaiser Permanente also issued a statement on Wednesday: “Kaiser Permanente supports the goals of the ACA and the transition to the new law. Our communication to consumers will strive to fully inform them of their options, including the option to continue existing coverage through 2014 and the availability of coverage through the Maryland Health Connection.”
Date: Nov 20, 2013